# MDS / HACC (Minimum Data Set) Complete guide to managing MDS and HACC services in Comm.care. ## Overview ### [Minimum Data Set (MDS)](../../Minimum%20Data%20Set%20(MDS).md) Understanding MDS reporting and how Comm.care simplifies it **Purpose:** Mandatory collection and reporting of data elements at a national level --- ## Setup ### [Set Up MDS - HACC Services](../../setup-and-configuration/services-configuration/mds-services.md) Configure MDS/HACC-funded services ### [Setting Up My Organisation for MDS and Other Funding Sources](../../setup-and-configuration/funding-sources-setup.md) Multi-funding source configuration including MDS --- ## Participant Management ### [Creating a New Circle of Care for a MDS Participant](../../features/circle-of-care/creating-mds-participant.md) Specific guidance for onboarding MDS participants **Note:** MDS requires less detailed information than NDIS ### [Create or Delete MDS Appointments](../../features/scheduling-rostering/mds-appointments.md) Scheduling services for MDS-funded participants --- ## Reporting ### [Generating MDS Reports](../../features/reporting/mds-reports.md) Creating MDS reports from Comm.care --- ## Key Concepts **MDS** = Minimum Data Set - A standardized set of data elements for aged care reporting **HACC** = Home and Community Care - State/territory-based aged care programs (being phased into CHSP in some regions) **Data Elements** = Specific pieces of information required for MDS reporting: - Client demographics - Service type - Hours of service - Service delivery dates **Reporting Period** = Typically quarterly or as required by state/territory --- ## MDS vs CHSP vs NDIS | Aspect | MDS | CHSP | NDIS | |--------|-----|------|------| | **Target** | State/territory aged care | Commonwealth aged care | People with disability | | **Data Required** | Minimum - basic demographics | Moderate - service details | Comprehensive - goals, outcomes | | **Reporting** | MDS reports | DEX (automatic) | Bulk upload or invoices | | **Setup Complexity** | Low | Moderate | High | | **Integration** | Manual reports | Automatic DEX | Various methods | --- ## MDS Workflow in Comm.care ### 1. Organisation Setup - Configure MDS/HACC services - Set up outlet/program details - Define service types for MDS reporting ### 2. Participant Onboarding - Create Circle of Care - Enter basic demographics (MDS requires less detail) - Set up service roadmap - No plan documents required (simpler than NDIS) ### 3. Service Delivery - Create appointments - Staff deliver services - Create progress notes - Track hours and service types ### 4. MDS Reporting - Generate MDS report at end of reporting period - Export required data elements - Submit to state/territory authority - Track hours by service type and participant --- ## Common MDS Service Types ### Domestic Assistance - House cleaning - Laundry - Meal preparation ### Personal Care - Bathing/showering - Grooming - Dressing assistance ### Nursing - Medication assistance - Wound care - Health monitoring ### Allied Health - Physiotherapy - Occupational therapy - Dietetics - Podiatry ### Social Support - Individual community access - Group activities ### Transport - Transport to appointments - Shopping assistance ### Respite - Centre-based respite - In-home respite ### Meals - Delivered meals - Congregate meals --- ## MDS Data Requirements ### Client Information: - Name - Date of birth - Gender - Postcode - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status (if applicable) ### Service Information: - Service type - Hours delivered - Date of service - Outlet/program identifier ### Minimal Documentation: Unlike NDIS, MDS does not require: - Detailed care plans - Goals documentation - Outcome measurements - Complex consent forms **Benefit:** Faster onboarding, less paperwork --- ## State/Territory Variations MDS and HACC programs vary by state/territory: - **Queensland:** HACC program may have specific requirements - **Victoria:** MDS reporting formats and timelines - **NSW:** State-specific data elements - **Other states:** Check local requirements **Important:** Verify current requirements with your state/territory authority as programs transition to CHSP. --- ## Reporting Best Practices ✅ **Track hours accurately** - Record start and end times in progress notes ✅ **Categorize services correctly** - Ensure service types match MDS categories ✅ **Maintain client demographics** - Keep participant information up to date ✅ **Generate reports regularly** - Don't wait until deadline to discover issues ✅ **Verify data before submission** - Double-check hours and counts --- ## Transition to CHSP Many MDS/HACC programs are transitioning to CHSP: - **CHSP offers:** More comprehensive support, DEX integration, national consistency - **MDS remains for:** Some state/territory programs, specific funding arrangements - **Dual funding:** Some organisations manage both MDS and CHSP participants **In Comm.care:** You can manage both MDS and CHSP participants with appropriate service setup --- ## Related Topics - [CHSP/Aged Care](../chsp-aged-care/) - Commonwealth Home Support Programme - [Services Configuration](../../setup-and-configuration/services-configuration/) - [Circle of Care](../../features/circle-of-care/) - [Reporting](../../features/reporting/) --- ## External Resources - Check with your state/territory health department for MDS requirements - My Aged Care portal: myagedcare.gov.au - Transition information to CHSP --- [Need to raise a request? Contact us.](https://conversations-app.brevo.com/)